Statement from the Hate Crimes Working Group on the Assasination of Imam Muhsin Hendricks
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The Hate Crimes Working Group is outraged and deeply disturbed by the assassination of Imam Muhsin Hendricks, a person who dedicated their life to inclusion, justice, and the dignity of all. Regarded by many as an Imam, he was a leader and advocate who founded The Inner Circle to provide a space for Muslims seeking to reconcile their faith with their sexual orientation and gender identity. He stood for peace and love and was committed to fostering dialogue and understanding in the face of intolerance. Openly challenging the fatwa issued in 2022 by the South African Muslim Judicial Council that condemned same-sex relationships, he stood firm in his belief that faith and identity are not incompatible.
Consequently, he was threatened, vilified, and has now been murdered in an attack that bears all the hallmarks of an assassination. Video footage shows a masked gunman ambush his car, fill it with bullets, and drive away. His execution was deliberate and targeted. In the aftermath of his murder, social media is flooded with celebrations from those who opposed everything he stood for and who continue to wish him harm. This is further evidence of the hate, fuelled by religious intolerance, that still permeates South Africa. If we allow hate to go unchallenged, then we betray the very foundation of our democracy.
We cannot allow people to promote killing in the name of religious beliefs or disagreements. The Hate Crimes Working Group strongly believes that this was a hate crime, and we wait to see the outcome of the investigation. We demand that the South African government act swiftly and decisively. The Hate Crimes Act must be fully implemented, and those responsible—both the perpetrators and those that incite and support violence – must be held accountable. We ask that those in the community who have information, to come forward and share that with the police, so that the investigation can be finalised quickly and there is justice for Muhsin and for his family and loved ones.
At this difficult time, we stand with his family, his loved ones, and all those who have been touched by his work. Muhsin did not deserve this. His loss is felt deeply by those who knew him and those who benefitted from his leadership, not only in South Africa but around the world, where many are mourning his passing and calling for justice.
Justice for Imam Muhsin Hendricks is justice for all minorities, especially Muslims who are marginalised by their sexual or gender diversity. South Africa’s Constitution, one of the most progressive in the world, protects sexual and gender diversity. We must safeguard our values and secure a society free from hate. We must ensure that intolerance, discrimination, violence and hate crimes are eradicated from our country.
#JusticeForImamMuhsinHendricks
#NoToHateCrimes #EqualityForAll
THE HATE CRIMES WORKING GROUP IS A MULTI-SECTORAL COALITION THAT WORKS TOWARD THE EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF HATE CRIME LEGISLATION, AND THE END TO ALL HATE CRIME IN SOUTH AFRICA.
For more information please contact hcwgsa@gmail.com or see our website www.hcwg.org.za
(The South African Muslim Network does not support this statement.)
